House Bill 130 is in response to a national movement to require fire sprinkler systems in one and two-family dwellings. This legislation would require a more robust public process be followed before sprinklers can be mandated in new home construction.

HB 130 seeks to avoid broad mandates that will drive up costs for consumers in areas where sprinklers may not necessarily be needed without adequate public involvement.

HB 130 requires that before a municipality can mandate sprinkler systems in all new construction of residential buildings with one or two dwelling units they must first:

At least 30 days prior to the first public hearing, publish a summary of the ordinance and notice the time and place of each scheduled public hearing;

Hold three public hearings within not less than a 60-day period and not more than 180 day period.

This bill realizes there may be cases in Alaska where requiring sprinklers in one and two-family dwellings is necessary. Often, the geography at the location of new builds is such that firefighters cannot make it swiftly to a burning home. In those cases, HB 130 would not prohibit sprinkler mandates; it assures public awareness and participation in those decisions